A slight political shake-up is being noticed around West Central. This comes after electoral boundaries were said to be changing last year.
There were a pair of news conferences last week pertaining to the unveiling of the Saskatchewan Provincial Boundaries Commission's Final Report that is showing both Kindersley-Biggar and Rosetown-Delisle as newly recommended constituencies in moves that should affect a majority of the West Central region.
Looking at Kindersley specifically in the above-mentioned conferences, Randy Weekes is the current MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley, and a couple of weeks back sent out a message to constituents that he would be announcing his candidacy for the Saskatchewan Party nomination in the new constituency of Kindersley-Biggar.
These changes remove Eatonia from the southern portion of the riding, instead combining Kindersley in with the Biggar region (Screenshot via Final Report)Weekes had the following to say during an interview last week as that constituency is just one in the area that will be reworked for the next provincial election in 2024.
"I am seeking the nomination for the new constituency of Kindersley-Biggar," said Weekes as he was looking forward to speaking with potential future constituents, "Talking about the issues people may have within the new constituency. We've gone through the process of boundary changes, and there's been major changes that affect Kindersley and Biggar."
The list of recommended southern constituencies in Saskatchewan (Screenshot via Final Report)This move is in the works thanks to the passing of the "Representation Act" in Legislature. As the current MLA for Biggar-Sask Valley and 27th Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in Saskatchewan, Weekes is hoping for the opportunity to run in a changed-up riding.
"At one time or another I have represented half of the constituency of Kindersley-Biggar," said Weekes at his news conference from the Kindersley Inn, "I have built relationships with my colleagues going back to when I was Minister of Rural and Remote Health, Deputy Opposition House Leader, Government Whip, Government Caucus Chair, and now with (the honour of being named) Speaker."
Weekes was named the Speaker following the 2020 election after being elected by the 61 sitting MLA's. He appreciates the opportunities provided, as well as the ability to hear different happenings around the world and promote Saskatchewan's interests alongside them.
Weekes' international responsibilities include being a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), and the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC), where Weekes was elected Second Vice-Chair of the MLC Executive Committee as the first Canadian to hold the position.
It was a great day meeting people and discussing issues in Kindersley- Biggar https://t.co/3OySz7jqTy
— Randy Weekes (@randyweekes) January 9, 2023
Promoting Saskatchewan's energy sector is also top of mind for Weekes, like many in the Sask. Party.
During the news conference Weekes took the opportunity to quote former Premier of Saskatchewan Brad Wall, stating "Canadian energy could displace the need for Russian energy in Europe. We need the Federal Government to share that vision."
Weekes then referenced commitments made by Canada to Germany to produce hydrogen on the east coast of Canada, and how no similar move has been made by the Government to do what they can to get West Central Saskatchewan produced oil and gas (Kindersley and Kerrobert specifically) to international markets.
Between the introduction of the Saskatchewan First Act that clearly states Saskatchewan's exclusive provincial jurisdiction in multiple areas, and an upcoming trip for Weekes and other delegates to India, those are just a couple of things happening working to create more jobs and more prosperity right here at home, and especially in the important new constituency of Kindersley-Biggar. Currently, Saskatchewan has a growing relationship with India selling them agricultural products, farm equipment and technology, as well as uranium and fertilizer.
Weekes would like to thank everyone who came out to last week's speaking engagements. When asked what his favourite part of being an MLA is, Weekes' answer is always the same.
"It is meeting constituents in their hometown at coffee parties we host every year, community events, on the phone, or meeting in my office. I enjoy listening to people's concerns and helping them work through their issues."
The end result of all these meetings will be a founding meeting held by the end of March to elect a new executive and adopt a constitution. Every constituency in the province will take part in one, and Weekes looks forward to the process as the 2024 election still sits just under 2 years away.
Tue, Apr 23, 7:00 PM
